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I am in the process of finalizing a deal on my first BMW - a 1995 325i convertible with a manual transmission. The seller is the original owner, and the car has never been winter driven. The car has 133,000 kms and the price includes the hardtop and storage dolly. The car is regularly serviced and it has a new set of tires. We have agreed on a price in the $7000 to $7700 range certified and e-tested.

Let me know if you think the price is within the acceptable range and what I should look for when viewing the car.

The ODO currently reads 133,769 kms. The color is Madeiria Violet Metallic (302) and the interior color is LEDER CASUAL/HELLGRAU (P7TH). Like I said, it's certified and e-tested and a one owner car. It was manufactured at the end of 1995 and purchased in 1996.

Ideally, what is the going rate for these cars? Also, do I want a purple car?

I'd say thats pretty expensive for a 17 year old vehicle. It might be in great condition, but for $7,600 you can get something much newer and more fuel efficient. May not be a BMW, or may not have all the options listed above. If you really like it go for it. I wouldn't.

Thanks for your advice. So, do you want to help me locate a car? Preferably a convertible, and a manual transmission would be perfect. I am also looking for a car with service history.

Looks like I won’t be buying the car after all. I ran a VIN check and found two damage claims a collision on the right front that was reported to the police. The owner of the car indicated that “the car wasn’t involved” in the collision. I asked the owner how that was possible and indicated that I would not buy the car unless the price was lowered and/or the car was inspected by a BMW specialist. The owner got pissed off and they walked away from the deal (after telling me they were a lawyer and the cop writing the accident report was a rookie). So, still looking.

I located a 1999 car needing roof repairs and minor bodywork for $6000. The car has not been winter driven and has 114,000 kms. Not sure if I want a project though. From comments made here, the price also seems a bit high.

Thanks to all who provided advice. I think I might have avoided being hosed.

I'm selling my 98 328i actually if your're interested. Not convertible, nor manual trans but in excellent shape with 190k. I drive it everyday. Runs great. Selling for a lot cheaper than what these guys are asking you too. PM me if you're interested I can send you some pics.

By now the majority of these cars are over 15+ years old. Not worth it in my opinion to drop anything over $5,000 on one, unless you find an immaculate one with great service history and 1 owner. Otherwise, go with something else.

Thanks for the offer, but I’m set on getting a convertible. A bit of background – I bought a beautiful, low mileage Miata approximately a year ago. In August we had a daughter arrive. Goodbye Miata. We have a “sensible” car, but I miss driving a convertible. I need a car in which I can occasionally transport my daughter. There are very few convertibles that have enough room for a child seat and are safe enough to transport such precious cargo. The BMW tops the list and can be found with a manual transmission. Perfect! I also like the looks of the car mre than other four seat convertibles. I just need to find one for a good price.

cormier:

I’ve bought and sold lots of cars, but you’re right about autotrader and kijiji. Even experienced buyers can get burned. I’ll keep an eye on the classifieds listings on this site. If you hear of any good convertibles for sale, drop me a PM.

I don't think it was a bad deal, IF the car was near to perfect (service records, never driven on salty roads, paint and leather treated and taken care of).

The reason I say it may be worth it is that E36s are near impossible to find without rust in the GTA. I would know, I've been looking for over a year (for an M3, but still). Even when people claim theirs is rust free I usually show up and find some within minutes. Hint hint check under the rear trunk seal.

if i were u, and ur willing to spend 7-8 grand on a car... check the states.. preferably one down south where snow isnt an issue, and buy one from there... im sure u will find one thas with in ur price range and one thats clean inside and out... like Dr.Flyview said its close to impossible to find a clean titled e36 with no rust in the GTA... but what ever car u choose get it compression tested, passing etest and saftey is easy, and believe me fake e-tests are only like 200 bucks.... so take ur time and find one that wont give u any nasty surprises.